Press Conference by KATO Katsunobu, Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Financial Services

(Excerpt)

(Friday, March 28, 2025, 8:32 am to 8:36 am)

[Opening remarks:]

Minister)

Today, I would like to make a request regarding the provision of appropriate information prior to a shareholders’ meeting.
The annual securities reports contain a wealth of information that is useful for investors when making decisions, such as information on executive compensation, and I believe that it is most preferable that listed companies give as much consideration as possible to enabling investors to check their annual securities reports at least three weeks before a general shareholders’ meeting.
Therefore, I understand that there are practical issues involved, but as a first step towards providing appropriate information, I request all listed companies to consider submitting their annual securities reports at least a day or a few days before a general shareholders’ meeting, given that many companies submit them on the same day as the general meeting or within a few days of it.
The Financial Services Agency (FSA) will monitor the submission of annual securities reports in the future and also consider taking additional measures to promote the provision of appropriate information to investors while working to reduce the burden on companies.

[Questions and answers:]

Q.

Recently, there have been some cases of low-priced stocks with low stock price levels fluctuating unnaturally on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Is there any report to the Minister or any analysis of the current situation?

A.

I would like to refrain from commenting on the trends in the stock market one by one and also refrain from commenting on what kind of discussion is being held about it.